BW INSIGHTS

COVID-19 Will Spawn a Slew of New Patent Filings

By David Breiner | 03.26.2020
Currently, we are inundated with information about COVID-19, which is short for coronavirus disease 2019. Coronaviruses are relatively large spherical viruses having projections extending from their outer surface. Once attached to a host cell, the host cell cleaves, allowing the genetic material of the virus to enter the host cell. Once inside,... Read More

Biennial Report Deadline Extended

By BrownWinick | 03.26.2020
All entities organized under Iowa law or registered to do business in Iowa are required to file biennial reports with the Iowa Secretary of State. These reports are typically due by April 1 of the year in which they are due. Corporations file biennial reports in even-numbered years, while LLCs, partnerships, and non-profits file in odd-numbered... Read More

Granting of Waivers by The United States Patent and Trademark Office for Abandoned or Canceled Patent and Trademark Applications

By David Breiner | 03.26.2020
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) considers the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak to be an “extraordinary situation.” As such, the USPTO has taken steps to reduce certain costs associated with reviving cancelled or abandoned patent and trademark applications. Filing responses and paying fees associated with patent... Read More

COVID-19 Prompts Changes to Iowa Certificate of Need Requirements

By Drew Larson | 03.26.2020
On March 17, 2020, Governor Reynolds issued a moratorium of the Iowa Certificate of Need (“CON”) requirements for institutional health care facilities. Included within the definition of institutional health care facilities are hospitals and nursing facilities. Pursuant to the Governor’s proclamation, institutional health care facilities would not... Read More

Determining Whether Your Business Qualifies as Essential

By Brennan Block | 03.26.2020
More and more state and local governments are issuing “stay at home” orders that require all non-essential businesses to cease operations and send employees home. We’ve received many client questions regarding the ramifications of these orders, the definition of an “essential business,” and the registration requirements for essential businesses.... Read More

DOL Updates Effective Date and Issues Model Notice Posters

By BrownWinick | 03.25.2020
As noted in our last post, the Department of Labor announced the effective date of the new federal leave laws is April 1, and not April 2. In related news, today, the Department of Labor has issued its model notice posters for Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded FMLA Leave under the FFCRA. The notice for private employers can be found here:... Read More

Slashing Costs? Don’t Let The Abandonment Of Your IP Portfolio Be “A Permanent Reminder Of A Temporary Feeling.”

By Christopher Proskey | 03.25.2020
Economic crisis, Jimmy Buffett and IP portfolios, here we go. I’ve spent the last two weeks talking with clients, colleagues and friends all over the world trying to wrap my head around the current situation we’re in as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These conversations have confirmed the entire world is doing what we’re doing – staying home... Read More

Iowa Utilities Take Steps to Address Customers' COVID-19 Issues

By Haley Van Loon | 03.23.2020
Many of the electric, natural gas, water, and communications utilities serving Iowans have taken steps to address their customers’ utility service issues associated with the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. Typically, these steps take the form of suspending disconnection of service for nonpayment, although the details of these suspensions can vary.... Read More

Event Cancellations as a Result of COVID-19? Check Your Contracts!

By BrownWinick | 03.22.2020
With extreme social distancing requirements in place across Iowa and the United States, it is clear that COVID-19 will have an impact on our lives for weeks to come. Cities, schools, and universities alike have cancelled scheduled events — and more and more cancellations are still to come. But what if your organization has booked a venue, caterer,... Read More

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